Bahn Thai, one of San Diego’s best-known Thai restaurants, appears to be relocating after owners purchased the nearby building in University Heights at 4628 Park Blvd.
Owner Paul Srimuang opened the first Bahn Thai in University Heights, at 4646 Park Boulevard, Suite 3, in 2011 before expanding to a second location in Hillcrest in early 2020, replacing Babycakes Bakery. Earlier this year, a fire caused the Hillcrest site to close temporarily and has yet to reopen. Now, the Srimuangs have purchased a nearby building that was recently the home of Johnston’s, first reported by SanDiegoVille. The company expects to open Bahn Thai in the new building sometime next year.
Srimuang confirms with What Now San Diego that the restaurant will eventually move into the building, but could not provide an exact timeline. When Bahn Thai moves into the 1,581 square-foot, 1929-era building, which previously housed Small Bar before Johnston’s, it will offer the same delicious authentic Thai that San Diegans have enjoyed for over a decade. Next Wave Commercial reportedly sold the building for $2,330,000.
“In Thailand, food is the central focus of people’s lives,” according to the company’s website. “It is believed that life should be “Sanuk” (enjoyable) and “sabai” (comfortable and relaxed), and as such, the pleasures of relaxing and eating with family and friends are of the utmost importance. In virtually every aspect of their lives, from simple get-togethers to important ceremonies, food is at the heart of it all. “Bahn,” meaning home, is the feeling we want all of our customers to have when they come to our family-owned and operated restaurant.”
